Friday, January 16, 2015

MALAYSIA:::Malaysia reveals biometric smartcard for foreign workers

Malaysia's Ministry of Home Affairs has revealed plans to issue a biometric identification card to more than two million foreign workers to make it easier for local authorities to track down illegal immigrants.

Home Minister Zahid Hamidi said, the “i-Kad”, which will be color-coded according to a an employee’s sector of work, will be embedded with a chip containing the his or her employment details and biometric thumbprint. In addition, the card will also feature a barcode that will allow enforcement officers to quickly assess a worker’s detail by scanning the card using their smartphones.

“These security elements are important to prevent fraud and forgery of the card. It will strengthen our enforcement. We hope that by the end of this year, all foreign workers will have this card,” Hamidi said.

In related news, Nepal's Ministry of Labour and Employment this week denied reports that citizens travelling to work in Malaysia must have their biometric details taken.

Speaking to the National News Agency (RSS) Labour Secretary Bhola Shiwakoti said there had been a rumour that the biometric system would be implemented from Thursday.

However, the official stressed the Nepal government has not granted permission for requirement which include scans of workers' fingerprints, facial data and retinas.

Expecting the system would soon be in place, at least 38 medical clinics have imported biometric equipment from Malaysian IT firm Bestinet, reported The Himalayan Times.